Moss Still a Hit With Fans

It seemed like nothing had changed -- with the exception of a suspicious number of Raiders jerseys being worn in the crowd -- as Randy Moss conducted his annual fishing tournament for charity.

There was a little concern that, given the upheaval with the Vikings relationship with former player Randy Moss, the wide receiver's annual charity fishing tournament might not have the success rate that it had when Moss was No. 84 with the Vikings.

But, despite the lack of ideal weather, fans and former teammates turned out in big numbers to let Moss know that, despite some fractures between him and the organization, he is still loved by Vikings fans.

The new Moss was jovial and smiling -- somehow appropriate seeing that proceeds went to the Smile Network -- a non-profit organization that helps children with facial defects get reconstructive surgery.

As always, there were plenty of fans looking for autographs, but many of them were wearing Moss' new No. 18 for the Raiders. In fact, when the event had prize giveaways, among them were Moss' Raiders jerseys -- not his "classic" Vikings jerseys (as e-bay sellers try to pump them up).

With former teammates like Michael Bennett and Jim Kleinsasser at his side, Moss made the most of the day -- refusing the rehash the past and instead looking forward.

While it still may seem hard for some fans to believe that Moss won't be in Mankato at the end of July for the first time in eight years, the event at Lord Fletcher's seemed to give a little closure to the off-season. Yes, Moss isn't going to be with the Vikings, but that hasn't diminished the love that Vikings fans have for him. He may be with another team, but if anything -- outside of the money raised for charity -- was proved Wednesday, it was that there are still a lot of people who appreciate what No. 84 did in a Vikings uniform and that Moss will always be a fond memory for Vikings fans.